The Truth About Erectile Dysfunction Myths

Don’t believe these common misconceptions about ED

Thanks to the social stigma surrounding any type of sexual dysfunction, myth is sometimes taken as fact; and men often avoid talking about the problem or seeing a doctor who can dispel some of these misconceptions. Unfortunately, this acceptance of myth over reality can stop men from exploring options to improve their sex life.

7 common myths about ED

Here are some common misconceptions about ED that could use a reality check:

It’s not dangerous. While we might shrug off our discomfort with winks and jokes, ED can be a sign of something more serious. Diabetes and heart disease are known to be associated with erectile dysfunction. Men experiencing ED should visit their doctor to make sure the cause isn’t something more serious—and this appointment can also uncover a treatment plan.

ED is a natural part of growing old. While erectile dysfunction is more prevalent in older men, it’s not as inevitable as wrinkles and grey hair. Older men are often candidates for the same treatment options for those in their younger years.

Young men don’t get erectile dysfunction. Each man’s body is different, however, the causes of ED aren’t exclusive to elderly individuals. A Journal of Sexual Medicine study reported that one in every four men presenting with erectile dysfunction were under the age of 40.

You’re not attracted to your partner. While the absence of sexual interest in your partner can make having an erection difficult, medically speaking, this doesn’t qualify as ED. In fact, this one’s pretty easy to self-debunk: If you’re able to have an erection during times when your partner isn’t around, it’s unlikely you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction.

Herbal home treatments work. Home remedies for ED might save you from the embarrassment of discussing the problem with a doctor, but they’re not reliable. It can be difficult to determine the exact amounts of active ingredients or their clinically-proven effectiveness. Furthermore, taking supplements without consulting your doctor could cause other medical complications.

You have to take the tiny blue pill. For some people, “as simple as popping a pill” isn’t desirable. Pills can be undesirable because of side effects, expense, and inconvenience. The reality is there are other treatment options for ED. Popular non-pharmaceutical interventions include penile injections, prosthetics, and shockwave therapy. In cases where other conditions such as obesity or high blood pressure are the culprits, addressing those issues often relieves ED.

If your medication is causing ED, you should stop taking it. Some prescriptions may cause erectile dysfunction. If you think you’re experience ED due to your medications, always consult with your physician before changing your dosage. Reporting such complaints can allow your doctor to consider other medications that don’t cause ED.

What to do if you have ED

Erectile dysfunction is broadly defined as continued difficulty having and maintaining an erection. Diagnosis often transcends sexual activity – it can be an indicator of a man’s overall health. ED should be approached like any other medical condition.

For many men experiencing ED, shockwave treatment is a favorable option. The therapy employs low-intensity sound waves to break up plaque in blood vessels while stimulating vascular growth. The procedure is non-invasive, painless, and achieved in-office.

While the technology has been used for years to dissolve kidney stones, it’s only recently been re-purposed for addressing ED in the US, and the results have been extremely positive. GAINSWave® is the only shockwave treatment in the US that follows a protocol specifically for erectile dysfunction.